Exodus 15:12
Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them.
Original Language Analysis
נָטִ֙יתָ֙
Thou stretchedst out
H5186
נָטִ֙יתָ֙
Thou stretchedst out
Strong's:
H5186
Word #:
1 of 4
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
יְמִ֣ינְךָ֔
thy right hand
H3225
יְמִ֣ינְךָ֔
thy right hand
Strong's:
H3225
Word #:
2 of 4
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
Historical Context
The 'earth swallowing' metaphor indicates permanent removal from the land of the living. Combined with water imagery, it emphasizes total, irreversible judgment with no possibility of return.
Questions for Reflection
- How does creation itself serving God's purposes in judgment demonstrate His comprehensive sovereignty?
- What opposition to God's work needs the earth to 'swallow' it permanently in your circumstances?
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Analysis & Commentary
The statement 'Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them' pictures divine gesture causing judgment. The 'earth swallowing' uses the same imagery as Korah's rebellion (Numbers 16:32), indicating permanent removal. God's outstretched hand (same gesture Moses used) accomplishes effortlessly what Egypt's entire army couldn't prevent. The imagery combines water (drowning) and earth (swallowing), emphasizing creation itself serves God's purposes.